Looking to improve your health, happiness and well being? Research from the University of Western Australiasuggests that exposure to the arts for just two hours every week can drastically improve your mental health and overall well-being. It can be active exposure, like painting or taking a dance class or passive exposure, like strolling through a gallery or attending a performance. Lucky for you and your family we have plenty of options for you to engage in the arts. On March 15th, 2018, registration for our Spring/ Summer session opens and we hope you are excited as we are about our new offerings and the popular camps and classes that are returning. Below is a little peek at some of our new and or improved programs to look forward to, also don’t forget that you can save big bucks on our summer camps if you register by May 1. View our May/June Catalog.

New or Re-Structured Camps

NEW! Nutcracker Fairy Tale Camp

Journey with Clara and the Nutcracker to the lands of snow and sweets as you creatively explore the world of ballet and this classic tale.Friends and family will be invited to an informal showcase on the final day of camp.

Dates: Aug. 13-17 (Monday- Friday)

Time: Ages: 5-6, 9:30 – 10:30 am

Ages 3-4, 10:45-11:45 pm

Price: $59, price includes a camp t-shirt

Pair with Drummin’ up Fun and save $10, and daily snack provided between camps. Students will be asked to bring a water bottle each day. Includes camp t-shirt. Students must be potty-trained.

NEW! Drummin' up Fun

Use drums, other instruments and your body to tell stories and explore musical concepts in this fun week-long adventure camp. Friends and family will be invited to an informal showcase on the final day of camp.

Dates: Aug. 13-17 (Monday- Friday)

Time: Ages: 3-4, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Ages: 5-6, 10:45-11:45 p.m.

Price: $59, price includes a camp t-shirt

Pair with our Nutcracker Fairy Tale Camp and save $10, and daily snack provided between camps. Students will be asked to bring a water bottle each day. Includes camp t-shirt. Students must be potty-trained.

Winona Arts Camp 2018: I Create

Join MCA and Minnesota Marine Art Museum (MMAM) for the 4th annual integrated arts summer camp, but with a new format where students get to choose the visual and performing arts they want to explore. From songwriting to exploring master painters and hip hop dance to stand up commedia (a mix of Commedia Dell'arte and improv theatre) there are plenty of options to satisfy the artist in everyone. Back by popular demand, there will be an all camp talent show on Friday morning and families are invited to attend a livelyshowcase at 3 pm on Friday afternoon. A class selection survey will be sent out to registered student in late Spring.

Dates: August 6-10 (Monday- Friday)

Time: 9:00- 3:30 p.m.

Age: 1st-8th grade

Price: $199, Fee includes camp t-shirt and daily snack. Students will need to bring a lunch and water bottle daily.

New Classes & Workshops

Barre for Dancers

Similar to our regular Barre class, but designed with a dancer’s needs in mind. This class will focus on developing strong, lean muscles, while taking several breaks for conditioning and stretching. Open to any dancer 12+, included in Ballet V-VII class package. Highly recommended for any dancer interested in, or currently practicing, pointework.

Spring: Fridays, May 11-June 15, 6:30-7:15 pm

Fee: $51, MCA Punch Card Accepted

Ages 14+ or at least Ballet V & up

NEW! Musical Theatre Dance, 8-12 years

Unleash your creative side while dancing to new and classic songs from the Broadway stage. Dancers will work on perfecting dance technique while bringing a character to life.

Day/Dates: Saturdays, Jan. 12- March 14

Time: 11:00 am- 12:00 pm

Age: 8-12 years

Price: $90 (10 classes)

Instructor: J. Dienger

NEW! Musical Theatre Dance, 13+ years

During this fun, fast-paced class dancers will explore musical theatre pioneers of past and present. A special focus will be placed on style development and storytelling.

Day/Dates: Fridays, May 11-June 15

Time: 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Age: 13+ years

Price: $56 (6 classes)

Instructor: J. Dienger

NEW! Tappin’ Technique Time

A great compliment to those who participate in NTDD workshop to focus on the fundamentals of tap technique or for those 6+ who are excited to explore this fascinating dance form! Students will stomp, flap, and shuffle their way through this fun, rhythm filled class.

Day/Dates: Tuesdays & Thursdays, May 29- June 14

Time: 5:15-6:15 pm

Age: 6-12 years (with 2 years or less experience), by 5/1/18

Price: $54 (6 classes)

Instructor: J. Dienger

Shakespeare for Homeschoolers Workshop Ages 10-12

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is excited partner with Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF) to offer two exciting opportunities designed to transport area homeschool students into the world of Shakespeare and theatre. Join GRSF company member, Benjamin Boucvault, and Education Director Carrie Nath for this two hour workshop As you prep to present at The Queen’s Court (wouldn’t want you to lose your head!) and dive into lively country dances. Then embrace your inner hero, villain, or magical creature bringing Shakespeare’s tragic tale of Macbeth to the stage through movement, voice, character development and text and scene analysis. Double Double Toil and Trouble of the best kind!

Shakespeare for Homeschoolers Workshop Ages 13-18

Minnesota Conservatory for the Arts (MCA) is excited partner with Great River Shakespeare Festival (GRSF) to offer two exciting opportunities designed to transport area homeschool students into the world of Shakespeare and theatre. Join GRSF company member, Benjamin Boucvault, and Education Director Carrie Nath for this two hour workshop exploring Shakespeare’s world through customs of the Queen’s Court, lively country dances and basic elements of combat; then take an actor’s approach through text and scene analysis with an opportunity to hone and shape presentational skills through acting exercises based in movement, voice and character development – all in a hands on, fun environment.

Stories that Move

This is a movement based workshop that will guide each participant through the choreographic process. Each session will consist of a warm-up, community building exercises, dance composition basics and a cool down. Community members with and without dance backgrounds are encouraged to join us as we explore a favorite childhood memory and bring it to life through movement.

Day/Time: Wednesdays, April 11- May 30, 12:00-1:30pm (April 4th Start day was moved due to inclement weather)

Register: Though this workshop is free, participation is limited. Please register today through MCA's Online System or return this Paper Registration Form to the MCA office or the office of our partner's at the Winona Friendship Center.

Multi-generational Collage

In this intergenerational workshop older adults and youth ages 7-12 will be invited to explore a variety of collage techniques through group and individual instruction. Within the eight sessions, will experience artistic decision-making first hand and gain understanding of the creative process. Instruction will include terminology and techniques that will be used to create final pieces out of cut paper and found objects. A culminating exhibit will take place to showcase final projects.

Day/Time: Wednesdays, June 6-August 1, 12:00-1:30pm , Exhibit at MCA

Location: Winona Friendship Center, 251 Main St. Winona, MN 55987

Ages: Adults 55+ years, this workshop also welcomes kids ages 7-12 to register for an opportunity to hone their arts kills and interact with a different generation.

Register: Though this workshop is free, participation is limited. Please register today through MCA's Online System or return this Paper Registration Form to the MCA office or the office of our partner's at the Winona Friendship Center.

Family Arts Academy

Family Arts Academy workshops are FREE monthly themed multi-arts experiences that invite the whole family to learn new skills, meet local artists and have fun creating together. Come to one or all, pre-registration recommended. Geared towards kids ages 4-12 and their families, but all ages are welcome.

Art Attack- April 6, 5:30-6:30pm- Free

Jedi Training (back by popular demand!)- May 4, 5:30-6:30pm, Free

Scooby Doo, Sherlock and Detective You- June 5, 5:30-6:30pm, Free

Minecraft Mainia(back by popular demand!)- July 3rd, 5:30-6:30pm, Free

Keeping the Beat- Aug 7th, 5:30-6:30pm, Free

NEW! Stay Strong August Session

Stay strong this summer and be in shape for Nutcracker auditions. Buy a 3 or 6 class punch card and attend the Ballet or Contemporary classes that fit in your summer schedule.

Stay Strong Ballet

Day: Tuesdays, Aug. 7-21

Times: 4:30-6:00 pm

This is a mixed level ballet class for students in Ballet IV+ or dancers with an equivalent level of training.

Stay Strong Contemporary

This mixed level class will include instruction in Jazz, Hip Hop, Modern and conditioning. This class is open to students in Modern III+, Jazz III+, Hip Hop III+, or Ballet IV+ or equivalent level of training.

Click Here to see full descriptions of YMCA Programs and how to register

Dance Classes with new Levels or Age Changes

NEW! Hip Hop IV/V

An intermediate and advanced study of the movement influenced by hip hop music from across the globe including breaking popping locking, and tutting.*

Day/Dates: Fridays, Jan. 11- March 15

Time: 4:00- 5:30 pm

Age: NA

Price: $141 (10 classes)

Instructor: J. Dienger

Jazz III

Advanced Intermediate level of traditional jazz dance. *

Day/Dates: Fridays, Jan. 11- March 15

Time: 6:45 pm- 8:15 pm

Age: NA

Price: $141 (10 classes)

Instructor: J. Dienger

Creative Movement

Children will look forward to class each week as they creatively explore the world of movement.

Day/Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 10-March 14

Time: 4:30-5 pm

Age: 3-5 years by 1/1/19

Fee: $70 (10 classes)

Instructor: J. Dienger

Creative Movement 5-6 years

Children will look forward to class each week as they creatively explore the world of movement.

Day/Dates: Thursdays, Aug. 30- Nov. 1

Time: 4:30-5 pm

Age: 5-6 years by 8/1/18

Fee: $70 (10 classes)

Instructor: J. Dienger

Boys in Motion Ages 3-4

Calling all super heroes, knights and future athletic stars, this dance class rocks! Specifically designed for young boys ages 4-6 years, to enhance athletic skills, flexibility, coordination and strength while also being introduced to ballet and contemporary dance.

Day/Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 9-March 13

Time: 4:30-5 pm

Age: 3-4 years

Fee: $18 (10 classes)

Instructor: D. Schleich

Boys in Motion Ages 5-6

Calling all super heroes, knights and future athletic stars, this dance class rocks! Specifically designed for young boys ages 4-6 years, to enhance athletic skills, flexibility, coordination and strength while also being introduced to ballet and contemporary dance.